Genoa

We are going there for one night this spring on our way to the French Riviera. I have a room reserved at Hotel Le Nuvole which I picked for its proximity to the train station and the aquarium. Maybe a place to start for you.

Thanks. Le Nuvole looks very nice. And the area seems ideal for a Genoa visit.

That hotel looks nice but I would be wary about going out at night in that area. It is in the old historic center which is fine by day but not so much at night. And you are very close to the dock area which you definitely want to avoid at night. If you want to stay downtown I would suggest you stay close to the Piazza de Ferrari area. Lots of people out at night and safer. Otherwise there are other areas of the city which are safer at night but farther away from the downtown.

Thank you Kathy. We have considerable experience with European cities and the old areas. They often look like dangerous areas -- if I saw such an area in Denver I'd be worried -- but are actually just old. Of course one has to maintain awareness of surroundings, but as we live in Rome we are very used to that.

This hotel gets such rave reviews on Booking.com I find it hard to believe the area is so dangerous. Have you spent a lot of time in Genova?

Hi Laurel,

I thought you might feel more confident than I would being you live in a big Italian city and know what to look out for. Yes, I have been to Genova many times because both my husband and I have lots of relatives there. All I know is that they ALL tell us not to go near the dock area (Caricamento) at night. We have never stayed in that area so I don't know first hand what it's like at night. The hotel does look amazing, I have to say. I hope you enjoy your time in Genova!

Kathy